A Night in Oriel: James Forrest Watches On as Dundalk Complete Their Fairytale Return to the Premier Division
On a brisk October evening in County Louth, the floodlights of Oriel Park cut through the autumn haze, illuminating more than just a football match. They shone on a revival — a resurgence that few could have predicted 18 months ago. On the field, Dundalk were playing with purpose, rhythm, and a sense of destiny. Off it, thousands of passionate fans packed the stands to witness history in the making. And among them — quietly, almost anonymously — sat James Forrest.
The Celtic winger, a veteran of over a decade at the top of Scottish football, wasn’t on international duty with Scotland this time. With no call-up to Steve Clarke’s squad and a rare few days of downtime during the break, Forrest chose to spend his Friday evening away from the pressures of Glasgow, finding solace and inspiration in a different kind of football story — one unfolding in the League of Ireland.
And what a story it was.
A Game Worth Watching
Dundalk’s 3-0 win over Finn Harps wasn’t just three points — it was the final chapter in a redemptive season that will live long in the memory of their supporters. Goals from Gbemi Arubi, Daryl Horgan, and Vinnie Leonard secured the First Division title in front of a jubilant home crowd. But the significance of the victory goes far beyond the scoreline.
This wasn’t just promotion. It was resurrection.
Just over a year ago, Dundalk FC were staring into the abyss. Plagued by financial turmoil, dwindling fan engagement, and poor performances, the once-proud club that had represented Ireland in Europe with such distinction looked destined for decline. Their fall from grace was rapid and painful — a cautionary tale for clubs across the footballing world.
But behind the scenes, changes were brewing. New ownership brought stability, investment, and, crucially, a vision. The club’s identity was rebuilt, brick by brick — with a renewed focus on community, youth development, and bringing back fan favourites like Daryl Horgan to reignite the spirit of old.
Fast forward to Friday night, and all of that groundwork paid off.
From the first whistle, there was a sense of inevitability in the air. The home crowd was buoyant, expectant, but nervously aware of the weight of the occasion. The players responded with professionalism and flair. The breakthrough came shortly after half-time, with Arubi’s smart finish setting the tone. Horgan, ever the talisman, doubled the lead with a vintage strike that drew perhaps the biggest cheer of the night. Leonard’s third was the icing on the cake — a goal that sealed the win, the title, and the return to the Premier Division.
The stadium erupted. Flares lit up the sky. Songs of joy echoed into the night. A football club — and a town — were reborn.
The Presence of a Pro
While all eyes were on the pitch, a few eagle-eyed fans noticed a familiar face quietly watching from the stands. James Forrest, dressed casually, was seen smiling and applauding the goals alongside local supporters. No fanfare. No entourage. Just a player who, despite years at the elite level, still finds joy in the simplicity of the game.
His visit wasn’t announced. It wasn’t for publicity. In fact, most didn’t even realize he was there until well after the final whistle. But for those who did, his presence felt symbolic — a reminder of the interconnectedness of football across all levels.
Forrest has never been one for the spotlight off the pitch. He’s known for his quiet professionalism, his loyalty, and his love for the game. And that’s likely what brought him to Oriel Park. Whether it was to support a friend, scout a player, or just enjoy a rare night of unfiltered football as a fan, his appearance added an unexpected — and appreciated — layer to an already special evening.
It’s easy to forget that even elite professionals are, at their core, lovers of the game. Seeing Forrest taking it all in from the stands, smiling as the goals flew in, reminded everyone that football’s magic doesn’t only exist under Champions League lights or on pristine Premier League turf. Sometimes, it lives in places like Dundalk — on crisp October nights, when promotion is on the line and communities come together.
Dundalk’s Road to Redemption
This night marked the culmination of a long and painful journey. Dundalk’s struggles in 2024 were well documented. The club, champions of Ireland just a few years prior, had crumbled under the weight of mismanagement and financial instability. Relegation was a blow, but for many fans, survival itself was the true battle.
That survival began with the arrival of a new ownership group — one that prioritized transparency, sustainability, and reconnecting with the fanbase. They brought back trusted figures, revitalized youth development, and instilled a culture of pride and professionalism throughout the club.
On the pitch, head coach Liam Buckley — appointed at the beginning of the season — built a squad that blended youth with experience. The return of Daryl Horgan was both a tactical boost and an emotional lift for the supporters. Alongside him, younger stars like Arubi and Leonard stepped up and delivered consistently.
Promotion was the objective. But winning the title? That was dream territory.
Now, with top-flight football secured and the club’s centenary season in 2026 on the horizon, the future looks bright. The story of Dundalk’s redemption is not just a football tale — it’s a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring power of the game to heal and inspire.
What’s Next for Forrest and Celtic
While Dundalk prepare for a return to the Premier Division, Forrest will soon be back in Glasgow as Celtic gear up for a crucial stretch of the season.
First up is a tricky away trip to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership. With Rangers breathing down their necks and Hearts finding form, Celtic can ill afford to drop points as they look to maintain their position at the summit. Brendan Rodgers will be counting on his senior players — and Forrest, though not a regular starter anymore, remains a valuable squad member, especially in these high-pressure weeks.
Beyond domestic duties, the Bhoys face a critical Europa League clash on matchday 3. After two disappointing outings in the group stage, Celtic are searching for their first win — and with it, a lifeline in the competition. European success has long eluded the club in recent years, and Rodgers knows that progress in the tournament would represent a major boost to both morale and credibility.
For Forrest, these upcoming weeks may not define his season — but his presence, leadership, and experience will be essential, particularly with younger players breaking into the first team. He’s been there before. He knows what it takes.
And if Friday night’s visit to Dundalk reminded him of anything, it’s that football is about more than just silverware and spotlight. It’s about the people. The places. The shared moments that live long after the final whistle.
A Shared Passion
Forrest’s quiet trip to Oriel Park didn’t make headlines. It didn’t need to. But for those who noticed — and for those who were part of that special night — it was a moment that encapsulated everything that’s right about the game.
A professional footballer choosing to spend his evening among regular fans, watching a lower-league title decider, cheering for a club he has no public ties to — it’s rare, and it’s real.
And for Dundalk, who are back where they belong, it was another reminder that their story matters. Not just to their supporters, but to the wider football community.
Because football, at its heart, is about more than just what happens on the pitch. It’s about connections. Comebacks. And sometimes, Celtic wingers watching Irish miracles unfold from the stands.